Employee Benefit Adviser articles from February 2009

Employee Benefit Adviser archives from February 2009

No whining.(From the Editor)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Robert Whiddon, Editor-In-Chief A recent Web seminar we conducted for readers had me thinking about Tom Hanks' lines from the 1992 film classic, "A League of Their Own." When one of the outfielders on his WWII women's-league team...

The pipeline Simple ways for your firm to step up and stand out.(Your Business)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Joe Part Given that more than a month has passed since we heralded the arrival of 2009 and the holiday-high has finally dissipated, it's probably a good time to quickly reassess business resolutions and other commitments for a...

Leading by doing.(Movers & Shakers)(Mike Brewer advices on employee benefits )(Interview)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Robert L. Whiddon Mike Brewer's no benefits brokerage greenhorn. He built a firm with the help of a partner or two, and sold it to Arthur J. Gallagher in the early 90s. Brewer spent about 10 years with that powerhouse before...

Planning for an uncertain future.(Sales Call)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Mel Schlesinger There has never been a time of more uncertainty for the group health producer. Health care reform was a key component of President Barack Obama's campaign platform, small business owners are complaining about the...

Earn your client's appreciation and affection.(Sales Call)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Jennifer Benz We all know the best way to win over your clients is to make their businesses more successful. But, how to do that is often less clear. Last month, we talked about how essential communication is to your business and...

Extreme classism coming.(Be Advised)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Emeric McCleary Fast forward ten years. You're channel surfing and your favorite eye candy is pitching individual health insurance. Whoa! If Betty White (geriatric eye candy) can pitch Medicare plans, why can't Angelina, Brad, or...

Forty two tips and tactics to boost your disability book in 2009; Lots of good stuff here from all corners of the disability carrier universe. Peruse and pick out your favorites to help you and your firm get on a good strong disability sales growth curve right away.(Feature)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Robert L. Whiddon There are lots of different strategies and tactics employee benefit sales professionals can tap to help jumpstart their disability sales in 2009. Pay attention as EBA has reached out to more than a dozen of the...

Unbreakable Heart; Losing a big client is a big deal. It can also set you on a path for bigger success if you are willing to learn from it.(Cover Story)(Neil Simons of Md.'s Independent Benefit Services takes business advices)(Cover story)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Robert L. Whiddon, Photographer Randal Scott It's Valentine's Day. Nine years ago. Neil Simons, founder of Rockville, Md.'s Independent Benefit Services is meeting with his business adviser. Any minute the phone is going to...

Spare change.(Sound Off)(Column)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Jason Hochstadt Change is in the air, or so we've been promised. However, isn't there also a saying that the more things change, the more they remain the same? So, where are we today? Well, things that sound too good to be true -...

What's fresh in EBA's Raw Bar.
February 1, 2009... Byline: Editorial Staff Go online and check out who we've been talking to lately. Visit eba.benefitnews.com/podcasts. Sheri Fitts of the Standard It's all about the fees. Chances are plan sponsors, advisers and employees are all...

Search continues for obesity solutions that work - lower costs, improve health for solutions that work.(Health)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Leah Carlson Shepherd Employers know that obesity costs them enormous amounts of money each year, but they're still grappling with ways to create successful weight-loss programs for employees. Experts discussed effective strategies...

Broad health care reform unlikely in President Barack Obama's first term.(Health)(Survey)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Robert L. Whiddon At least that's what many benefit professionals are saying. A recent survey of benefit brokers, consultants, carrier professionals, other service provider and a smattering of employer-based benefit managers shows...

Financial turmoil sparks debate over PPA; Economic turmoil brings to light need for retirement plan changes, as well as a willingness on behalf of the stakeholders to get things done.(Retirement)(Pension Protection Act of 2006)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Lydell C. Bridgeford When Congress passed the Pension Protection Act of 2006, lawmakers likely assumed they had addressed many of the most pressing legislative issues affecting America's retirement plan system. Fast-forward to...

Rep. George Miller - 401(k) friend or foe? Conflicting reports of stance on future of retirement plans has lawmaker on defensive.(Retirement)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Kelley M. Butler Depending on who you ask, California Democrat George Miller is either championing or undermining the nation's 401(k) system. To see how the lawmaker got to the point where he had to release a statement late last...

Is bigger always better? Cars, computers, electronics and appliances can spruce up the worksite market, but price tags pose moral dilemma in rough economy.(Voluntary)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Bruce Shutan The economy recently hurled a curveball in the direction of Steven Farish, a broker for Purchasing Power, which sells big-ticket items such as computers, electronics and household appliances to employee populations on...

Be more visible, helpful and profitable.(Your Business)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Jack Kwicien We all are very much aware of the current economic conditions. That's why the next several articles will be focusing on developing sound sales strategies for a difficult economy. We firmly believe that in these market...

Stand out from the competition with better planning.(Your Business)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Editorial Staff One way advisers can separate themselves form their competitive set is to raise the level of sophistication of their client engagements. For an increasing number of benefit sales professionals, that means strategic...

On the road That lovin' feeling.(Your Business)
February 1, 2009... Byline: Rob Nielsen There is an adage in advertising that says, "People buy on emotions and rationalize with facts." This was understood by the Gallup organization years ago. Before inviting an individual to participate in a survey, they...